WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps’ statement for the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee hearing on stem cell research as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you, Chairman Pallone, for holding this hearing.

“Even though our current Administration has prohibited federally funded embryonic stem cell research, America’s biomedical research community has continued on with this important work. 

“Our nation’s leading scientists know the facts.  They know that both adult and embryonic stem cell research hold the potential to cure some of humanity’s most devastating diseases:  Cancer, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and I’m sure, many more.

“I’m so pleased to have some of those leading scientists with us here today.  To share with us the truth about stem cell research.  About the nature of embryonic stem cell research and about the promise of adult stem cell research.  Adult stem cell research is crucial.  We need it. 

“But we need embryonic stem cell research, too, because one is not a replacement for the other.  They are two pieces of a large puzzle.

“I am proud that my own state of California has been a leader in this field and filled in some gaps where the federal government has been absent.  But state and private funding are only pieces of the puzzle.  Federal dollars, predominantly through the NIH, are the primary source of funding for basic research - the kind of research that identifies the fundamentals for future research that will eventually lead to cures.

“It is quite frankly embarrassing to have taken this big step backward over the past few years as the rest of the world has soared ahead.  But again, I’m so thankful that we have scientists, health care professionals, patients and other advocates who have found ways to keep research going so that we won’t waste any more time in our quest for those cures.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my colleague, Diana DeGette, for her tireless leadership on this issue.

“I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses.

“I yield back.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.